Deadline: Unspecified
Are you building a tech-driven solution to climate challenges in Africa? The Catalyst Fund 2025 invites early-stage startups tackling climate adaptation and resilience across the continent to Pitch to Us. With up to US $150,000 in funding, hands-on venture support, and access to a global investor network, this is a powerful opportunity to accelerate your climate-tech venture.
This blog details the programme’s objectives, eligibility, benefits, and application process. If you’re a founder in Africa solving real-world climate issues, this is a call to action.
About the “Pitch to Us” Programme
The Pitch to Us programme is an initiative by the Catalyst Fund designed to support pre-seed climate resilience and adaptation startups in Africa. It offers both capital and strategic venture-building services to accelerate high-potential startups toward product–market fit and investor readiness.
Key Facts:
- Name: Pitch to Us
- Target Audience: Pre-seed startups in Africa
- Sector Focus: Climate resilience and adaptation
- Support Offered: Up to US $150,000 equity + venture-building services
Who Should Apply?
The Catalyst Fund 2025 is actively seeking:
- Geographic Focus: Startups operating in Africa
- Stage: Pre-seed stage with a working product already in-market
- Traction: Early customer adoption underway
- Founders: Local African founders (gender-balanced teams preferred)
- Sectors of Interest:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Climate data and insights
- Insurtech and risk financing
- Carbon credit infrastructure
- Cold chain logistics and clean energy
- Water access and purification
- Waste management and circular economy
- Fisheries and blue economy
- Healthtech for climate resilience
- Livelihood and workforce tools
What Startups Receive
Pitch to Us offers a comprehensive package tailored to early-stage climate innovators:
Funding:
- Up to US $150,000 in equity funding
- Up to US $50,000 worth of venture-building support
Venture Building:
- 400+ hours of customised support in:
- Product development
- Strategy and business modelling
- Technology optimisation
- Data analytics
- Fundraising and investor outreach
- Marketing, branding, and growth
Global Network Access:
- 250+ member Circle of Investors for visibility and follow-on funding
- Dedicated investor showcases and demo events
- Curated insights and connections with key partners
Additional Perks:
- Professional PR and media support
- Up to US $175,000 in free startup tools (credits, services, etc.)
- Independent impact report via 60 Decibels research firm
Application Process – How to Pitch to Us
The application process is simple yet competitive. The Catalyst Fund 2025 has received over 3,000 pitch decks since 2023. To stand out:
- Review your pitch deck: It must clearly align with climate resilience goals.
- Meet the minimum requirements: A functioning product, early users/customers, and strong local leadership.
- Submit via the online form:
- Include your pitch deck
- Outline traction and impact potential
- Highlight the team and their experience
The fund uses AI-assisted screening to shortlist promising startups. Shortlisted teams may be invited to pitch live and undergo due diligence before final selection.
Why Choose the Catalyst Fund 2025?
The Catalyst Fund has a proven track record in early-stage startup acceleration:
- Previously backed 61 fintech startups across 15 emerging markets
- Portfolio companies have raised over US $650 million and reached 14+ million customers
- Now focused exclusively on climate resilience ventures in Africa, from pre-seed through Series A
- Known for its deep-dive venture-building approach, resulting in revenue growth and investor readiness
Apply Now
If you’re ready to Pitch to Us and scale your climate-tech venture in Africa, act now:
For help with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
